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Snowmobiler Caleb Moore, Injured at Winter X-Games, Dies at the Age of 25

Caleb Moore, the snowmobile rider who was seriously injured performing a stunt at the Winter X-Games last Thursday, has died. The 25-year-old former X-Games bronze medalist succumbed to his injuries in a hospital in Grand Juntion, Colorado, Thursday morning.

Moore was attempting a backflip in the freestyle event last week, but the skis on his massive snowmobile caught the edge of the landing area. The impact sent him flying over the handlebars, and the snowmobile rolled over him.

After staying down on the snow for a while, Moore was eventually able to stand up and leave the course under his own power. At that point he was transported to the hospital to be treated for a concussion. However, later that night he developed bleeding around his heart and was diagnosed with a cardiac contusion. Then there was some unspecified complication involving his brain, at which point his condition was listed as critical.

Caleb’s death is the first in the 18-year history of the X-Games, which are produced by ESPN. However, just before last year’s Winter X-Games, Canadian snowboarder Sarah Burke died from brain damage suffered during a training run in the lead-up to the games. The 2012 Winter X-Games were thus dedicated to her memory. She was just 29.

Caleb’s younger brother, Colten Moore, was also injured in last Thursday’s competition—and only thirty minutes after Caleb was taken to the hospital. Colten, the gold medal winner in 2012, suffered a dislocated hip.

After this tragedy, one has to wonder if Colten’s resolve will be tested going forward. And of course, one also has to wonder about the future of snowmobile events at the Winter X-Games.

Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Caleb. May he rest in peace.